Downtown: DAR to rededicate marker in Plaza on 4th of July

Natalie and Tommy Lucas824-4180

Published Tuesday, June 26, 2001

''God Save the 13 States; 13 United States; God save them all.''

That was the song which was sung at the St. Augustine Plaza July 4, 1781, by American patriots who were prisoners of war in this British colony. The melody is from ''God Save the King (or Queen)'' and known to Americans now as ''My Country Tis of Thee.''

It all happened during the Revolutionary War, 1776-1781, when American patriots fought the British on American soil for the privilege of being free from Great Britain's taxes. The cry then was ''No taxation without representation.'' The big deal that provoked the American Revolution is one that is always potentially with us, and that is the oppression of the individual by the overbearing state. Check out the history books on this. Log onto www.mightywords.com for more. The English sent their 2,000 prisoners of war from Virginia and South Carolina to St. Augustine.

Yet, St. Augustine was to be under the British for a short but significant 20 years. Florida, while not part of the war's conflicts, did house many prisoners of war. Many of the prisoners, former English colonists, were known to St. Augustine; Gov. Patrick Tonyn, John Moultrie and others who were loyal to the Crown.

Daughters of the American Revolution, Maria Jefferson Chapter member Mary Daniel's ancestor was imprisoned in the Castillo de San Marcos dungeon for nine months. His name was Ignanius Few. He was promoted to captain and them to major while imprisoned. There are many living descendants of these American patriots living in Florida and around the nation.

Perhaps some will return to the July 4th rededication of the DAR marker placed on the Plaza five years ago by the Florida State Society DAR.

On Wednesday, July 4, at 10 a.m., the Maria Jefferson Chapter will rededicate the marker which was installed five years ago and commemorates the three signers of the Declaration of Independence who were imprisoned here: Arthur Middleton, Edward R. Rutledge and Thomas Heyward Jr.

Their names are inscribed on the historic marker on the Plaza at just about the same spot where they stood with their fellow patriots and sang that song: ''God Save the 13 States.''

Some prisoners were housed at the state house which was located where King Street now passes in front of the Episcopal Church. Other prisoners were at the Castillo, private homes and on ships in the harbor. Most were free during the days. Others were kept imprisoned all the time.

When you're making plans for the 4th of July please consider coming to the Plaza on Wednesday next week at 10 a.m. for a short, but meaningful program. Maria Jefferson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution members, friends, and families will be there. We'll sing a few patriotic songs including: ''God Save the 13 States'' and we'll salute the flag.

Mayor Mark Alexander will present a proclamation in honor of the 225th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Regent Dianna Parks-Isam and Past Regent Virginia Hassenflu will rededicate the DAR marker and Past Regent Phyllis Sparta will read her original poem, ''Battle for Freedom.'' Free flags and copies of the declaration will be available.